By: Fred Kim and Sandra Thies

 Ryan Hreljac is born in May 31, 1991 and is a Canadian boy who, at the age of six, began raising money for those impacted by the global water crisis, and has since raised millions for water and sanitation project in Africa. In 1998, 6 years old Ryan Hreljac listened intently when his grade one teacher talked about the plight of people in Africa who had to walk many kilometers every day just to fetch water, the most basic element for human survival. Ryan was shocked and decided he needed to build a well for a village in Africa. He raced home from school and begged his parents for $70 the amount he thought was needed to build one well. He would not give up the idea and pestered them until they relented and agreed to let him do extra chores to earn the money.

Ryan completed the task, but when he delivered the money to an organization that builds the wells in Africa, he learned that $70 was only enough for a hand pump and that a well would actually cost $2000. Undeterred he said, “ I’ll just do more chores.” Ryan’s tenacity touched the hearts of many adults, gave hope and life to many others, and began an unrelenting journey of media interviews and speaking engagements. Ryan’s first well was built in 1999 when Ryan was seven years old at a school in a Ugandan village. The well continues to serve thousands of people. Ryan’s determination grew from the $70 collected by doing simple household chores to the Ryan’s Well Foundation, which today has contributed a total of 461 wells in 16 countries brining clean water and sanitation services to over half a million people. Ryan continues to be is a passionate speaker and a compelling voice for people impacted by the global water crisis in the developing world.

Before Ryan's Well Foundation was established in March 2001, Ryan with the help of many generous individuals and organizations raised money to supported 77 wells in places like Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Ethiopia. Since then, Ryan has continued to pursue his dream of clean water for all. To date with the support of individuals, corporate, school, community and faith bases initiatives, the Foundation has contributed a total of 461 wells in 16 countries bringing clean water and sanitation services to over 599,081 people. Ryan's vision is to help provide clean water and related health services to people in African countries and in other developing nations through cooperative partnerships with indigenous organizations. Along with providing clean water, it is essential to ensure that adequate sanitation is available and that families and communities are made aware of the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene practices in storage, transport and use of clean water on a daily basis. Community involvement, input and training also ensure the success of a project. It is for this reason that the Foundation strives to supports project that include community participation, sanitation, health and hygiene components.

If you are interested in the story of Ryan and Jimmy, Ryan and Jimmy and the Well in Africa That Brought Them Together will be a good source for your curiousness. The book shows not only how Ryan and Jimmy met and became a family, but also how Jimmy’s life was in Uganda. Readers can see how Jimmy survived in a extremely harsh condition, and this story will allow the young readers to appreciate what they have and who they are. Another strength of the book is that the book delivers a message to children about how they can do life changing things in their lives. Ryan and Jimmy and the Well in Africa That Brought Them Together by Herb Shoveller. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press.

1991: Born in Kemptville, Ontario. 1998: First heard about lives in Africa. Begged his parents for $70 Won Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award 1999: Built first well 2000: Won Canadian Peace Awards-Junior 2001: Featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show (April 2001) Canadian Meritorious Service Decoration Wolf Project Award Built 77 wells 2002: Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes 2003: Featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show( June 2003) World of Children Founders’ Award 2004:Planet Africa’s Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award 2005: Top 20 under 20 Award 2006: Interviewed by Dr. Maya Angelou during her Thanksgiving special on XM satellite Radio’s Oprah & friends channel. 2008: Built total of 461 wells in 16 countries Schooling while sailing around the world and spreading the story

Across 3. a thing that ryan raised money for 4. to finish a task 8. the age of Ryan when he started raising money 9. a high school that Ryan goes to Use a Smartboard® to finish the puzzle. 1. Ryan's last name 2. the town that he lives in today 5. his teacher when he was grade 1 6. he was in the Oprah Winfrey show( )times 7. Ryan's pen pal 10. person who saved the world is called this Down

1.Hreljac 2.Kemptville 3.Well 4.Accomplishment 5.Mrs.Prest 6.Two 7.Jimmy 8.Six 9.St.Michael’s 10.Hero 0-3 right: You don’t know him well. 4-7 right: You know him a little bit right: You are like Ryan!

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